There's something about the death of a good man that brings people closer, and that applies to my father, Clifford Soto, a mountain of a man and the most devoted grandpa that ever grandpa'd.
Clifford was born on April 17, 1947, in Gonzales, TX, to Cleophus Soto, 60 years old, and Felicitas Soto, 40 years old. Clifford was the baby of 7 children, Sarah, Mary, Thomas, Inocenio, Lupe (passed in infancy), and Delia. Clifford and his siblings lived a rugged life in their early years as ranch hands, picking cotton in the fields and tending to the farm. As he grew, sacrifices were made so that he could attend school and get his education.  Clifford attended Gonzales Elementary School, where segregation was at its peak. Clifford learned many important life lessons during these years, and from what he witnessed as a schoolboy.
It was when Clifford attended high school that he was introduced to the saxophone, and his love for playing music began. Clifford excelled at playing the tenor sax and was given the position of second chair.  In truth, Clifford was 1st chair but was not given the opportunity due to the nature of the times. Clifford was supported tirelessly by his mother, father, and siblings through the course of his high school life, and he was eternally grateful for their support and love.
It was in the 1960s when Clifford enlisted in the Army as a young teenager. Clifford joined the Army jazz band as a baritone saxophone player and continued to excel. Clifford loved playing in the jazz band, and that took him around the world. After 4 years, Clifford was discharged from the Army and joined the reserves for the remainder of his time. It was during this time that he began his life as an Electrician.
In the early 1970s, Clifford moved from Gonzales to San Antonio to pursue his electrician's license. During his pursuit, he met the people who would become his friends for life.  Clifford had many adventures in San Antonio, from traveling for work to drinking with his buddies.  In 1976, Clifford met Mary Jane and began a new story. Clifford tried his best to serve as a partner and stepfather to Eliseo, David, and Monica, and in 1984, he married Mary Jane. Clifford then became a father with the birth of his son, Thomas Soto, in 1985. Clifford and Thomas became an inseparable father-son duo over the next 40 years. Clifford went on to obtain his Master Electrician license in the early 1990s and, through hard work and dedication, began work with University Hospital and started up his own electrical company. Clifford went on to serve University Hospital as the Plant Engineering Director for 20-plus years. He retired from University Hospital in the late 2000s. Clifford created some of the most lasting friendships at the University that he cherished so deeply. After Clifford retired, he purchased one of his most beloved places, his ranch. Clifford loved to spend so many days there working and enjoyed the peaceful silence; it was his favorite place to be with his cows.
The pride and joy of Clifford's life came when his grandson Ezra was born. Clifford loved his grandson more than words can express, and he loved to spoil him at every chance he could get.  Clifford was the best father and the greatest grandfather that any son or grandson could ask for. Clifford dedicated his last years to Ezra and Thomas and loved every single moment of it. Thomas and Clifford went on to live next door to each other and became the best neighbors.
Clifford Soto is preceded in death by his father, Cleophus, his mother Felicitas, his brothers Thomas and Inocencio, and his sisters Lupe, Mary, and Sarah. Clifford is survived by his sister Delia, his son Thomas, his grandson Ezra, his life partner Mary Jane, his stepchildren Eliseo(Nancy), David (Deborah), Monica (Roger), his step-grandchildren Alejandra, Mercedes, Eli, Ashley, Joshua, Samantha, Roen, Ryder and by his numerous beloved nieces and nephew, and countless wonderful friends. Clifford loved you all so very much.